Find Academic Supervisors

Sophie NixonView profile

Professor

• Microbiology
• Deep terrestrial subsurface
• Carbon cycling
• +6 more

Sophie Nixon is a Professor of Environmental Microbiology at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the Earth and Environmental Sciences department. Her research focuses on microbial life in extreme subsurface environments, with applications to planetary science and biotechnology. She holds a PhD in Microbial Iron Reduction from the University of Edinburgh (2014) and is a Visiting Research Fellow at The Open University’s OUAstrobiology since 2019. Nixon’s work addresses microbial consortia in shale gas and CO2 storage systems, aiming to mitigate biofouling while enhancing carbon sequestration. She leads projects in microbial ecology, astrobiology, and bioremediation, supported by fellowships such as the BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship (2021) and the Max Hey Medal (2021). Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Microbial iron reduction on Earth and Mars, University of Edinburgh (2014) Research Interests: Deep terrestrial subsurface microbiology Hydraulic fracturing and CO2 storage Microbial adaptation in extreme environments Bioclogging and biogenic gas mitigation Astrobiology and Mars analog systems Awards: BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship (2021) Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellowship (2020) NERC Industrial Innovation Fellowship (2017) Max Hey Medal (2021) Grants & Projects: Molecular Environmental Science Research Group (PI) 21ALERT: Advancing ‘omics analysis (Co-Investigator) Her affiliations include the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and the Manchester Environmental Research Institute, where she collaborates on energy and environmental challenges.

• Plate Tectonics
• Geodynamics
• Paleogeography
• +4 more

Sabin Zahirovic is a Research Fellow and DECRA Fellow at the School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, specializing in plate tectonics, geodynamics, and the deep carbon cycle. He completed his PhD in 2015, focusing on Post-Pangea global plate kinematics and Southeast Asian geodynamics. His roles include leading the New Guinea research stream in the Basin Genesis Hub project and serving on committees such as the Deep Carbon Observatory's Executive Committee and the Paleogeography Working Group of the IUGS Deep-time Digital Earth initiative. Zahirovic's research emphasizes the interplay between tectonics, mantle dynamics, and carbon cycling, with a focus on Southeast Asia, Tethys, and New Guinea. Education: PhD in Geosciences (University of Sydney, 2015) BSc/Higher Degree Studies in Geology Research Interests: His work explores plate-mantle interactions, deep-time paleogeography, and the role of tectonics in Earth's carbon cycle. Key areas include Tethyan tectonics, India-Eurasia collision, and carbonate platform evolution linked to subduction processes. Zahirovic's studies integrate geodynamic modeling, machine learning, and paleogeographic reconstructions to address large-scale Earth system questions. Grants & Projects: ARC DECRA Fellowship (2021-2024) Basin Genesis Hub Project (Industry & ARC-funded) Deep Carbon Observatory initiatives Awards: Recipient of multiple honors, including the NSW Young Tall Poppy Award (2020) and the Robinson Fellowship (2019). His research has been recognized for contributions to geoscience education, tectonic modeling, and interdisciplinary carbon studies. Labs & Teams: Active in the EarthByte Group, collaborating on open-source tools like GPlates and leading visualization efforts for deep-time Earth models. His work supports industry and academia through resource exploration frameworks and digital geoscience platforms.

• Deep Subsurface Microbiology
• Microbial Energetics
• Calorimetry in Microbial Studies
• +3 more

Alberto Robador Ausejo is an Adjunct Assistant Professor (Research) of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California's Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. His work focuses on deep subsurface microbiology, microbial energetics, and biogeochemical processes in extreme environments. He holds an office in AHF 143 and can be reached at robadora@usc.edu. His research explores microbial survival strategies in low-energy environments, particularly in oceanic crustal fluids and marine sediments. Key areas include nanocalorimetry applications, sulfate-reducing microbial communities, and temperature-driven metabolic shifts. His studies bridge geology, microbiology, and biogeochemistry to understand Earth's hidden biospheres. Notable contributions include analyzing Arctic vs. temperate sediment responses to temperature changes and characterizing microbial activity in deep subsurface fluids. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaborations, such as IODP Expedition 327 and Atlantic expeditions, to study ocean floor ecosystems. Though no formal awards are listed, his publications reflect sustained impact in marine microbiology and biogeochemistry since 2005. His lab focuses on advancing techniques like nanocalorimetry to detect microbial activity in extreme environments.

• Paleoclimatology
• Geochemistry
• Sedimentology
• +3 more

Dr Alexander Francke is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide. His research focuses on paleoclimate and environmental reconstructions using sedimentary and geochemical proxies from Quaternary lake sediments across the Mediterranean, Australia, Asia, and the Arctic. He specializes in element geochemistry and stable isotope proxies to quantify catchment erosion and climate-human interactions, with a particular emphasis on Lake Ohrid's 1.3 million-year record. He holds grants including ARC DP250100936 (AUD$545k) for tracking desert flooding and ANZIC funding for Lake Ohrid Sr isotope studies. Teaching responsibilities include GEOLOGY 1103, 2505, and 3505 courses. Supervision focuses on Masters/PhD students in paleoclimate and geochemistry. Professional activities include editorial roles and international collaborations. His research integrates sedimentology, geochemistry, and isotope analysis to explore climate variability, with recent work on Holocene hydrology, Pliocene North African humid phases, and mercury records in Balkan lakes. Key achievements include defining Mediterranean-African monsoon links and advancing uranium isotope applications in lacustrine systems.

Bernhard MayerView profile

Professor

• Contaminant Hydrogeology
• Stable Isotope Geochemistry
• Groundwater Quality
• +2 more

Dr. Bernhard Mayer is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Science. He holds a PhD in Geology from Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich and teaches specialized graduate courses including Contaminant Hydrogeology, Advanced Contaminant Hydrogeology, and Applications of Stable Isotopes. His research focuses on: Application of environmental tracers and stable isotopes to characterize contaminant sources Hydrogeochemical processes in groundwater systems Impacts of resource development on water quality Development of analytical methods for contaminant source identification He has received the Killam Annual Professorship and Faculty of Science Research Excellence Award for his contributions. Dr. Mayer's current research investigates nitrate and sulfate contamination pathways, climate impacts on biogeochemical cycling, and machine learning applications for predicting well integrity. His work spans diverse environments from agricultural regions to coastal aquifers.

Casey HubertView profile

Professor

• Geomicrobiology
• Petroleum Microbiology
• Deep Biosphere
• +2 more

Casey Hubert is Professor and CAIP Chair in Geomicrobiology at University of Calgary, researching microbial ecosystems in petroleum reservoirs and marine sediments. His work bridges geomicrobiology and energy biotechnology. Research characterizes thermophilic anaerobes in subsurface environments, microbial souring control, and hydrocarbon biodegradation potential. Applications include reservoir management and Arctic oil spill response strategies.

Laura MeredithView profile

Assistant Professor

• Environmental Microbiology
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Trace Gas Fluxes
• +4 more

Laura Meredith is a Joint Assistant Professor in multiple departments at the University of Arizona: Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, Ecosystem Genomics (home department), Biosphere 2 Institute, Genetics (GIDP), and Global Change (GIDP). She serves as Director of the Biopshere 2 Tropical Rain Forest. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary environmental microbiology and atmospheric chemistry, particularly microbe-mediated trace gas fluxes and soil-atmosphere interactions. Meredith uses advanced laboratory and observational techniques to link genes to functional processes and study ecosystem responses to drought and climate change. Educated at MIT with a PhD in Climate Physics and Chemistry (2013), she emphasizes real-time soil gas monitoring, isotopic tracing, and omics technologies. Her work spans tropical rainforests, Arctic tundra, and urban ecosystems, addressing VOC cycling, microbial metabolism, and soil health. Research interests include microbial VOC production/uptake, drought impacts on soil microbiology, and plant-microbe interactions under environmental stress. She develops novel sensors and analytical methods like GC-PTR-TOF-MS and in-situ soil probes to study subsurface dynamics. Meredith's lab at Biosphere 2 investigates artificial rainforest ecosystems under controlled drought conditions, linking root physiology to ecosystem carbon/water fluxes. Her articles reveal trends in understanding microbial volatilomes, Arctic soil-carbon feedbacks, and urban green infrastructure's role in VOC mitigation. Key projects include the CAREER grant on belowground biology's role in VOC exchange and studies on nitrogen cycling in agricultural soils. Meredith collaborates internationally on projects like the Alaskan Growing Season carbonyl sulfide fluxes and tropical rainforest conversion impacts in the Amazon. Grants include NSF CAREER funding. She mentors students in interdisciplinary environmental science, emphasizing fieldwork and computational modeling. Future research targets scaling microbial VOC findings to global climate models and improving soil health assessment tools for semi-arid regions.

Steffen Leth JørgensenView profile

Associate Professor

• Geochemistry
• Geobiology
• Hydrothermal Systems
• +3 more

Steffen Leth Jørgensen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen. He serves as Head of the Geochemistry & Geobiology research group and Director of the CDeepSea Centre. His research focuses on interdisciplinary studies of hydrothermal systems, marine sediments, and microbial communities in extreme environments such as Arctic mid-ocean ridges, submarine volcanoes, and deep-sea sediments. Key interests include geochemical processes, microbial ecology, and the interplay between geological and biological systems. His work integrates field studies, laboratory experiments, and molecular analysis to explore topics such as hydrothermal vent microbiology, nitrogen cycling in marine sediments, and the evolution of microbial communities in extreme environments. Notable projects include the SUSTAIN drilling initiative at Surtsey Volcano, Iceland, which investigates hydrothermal-microbial interactions in basalt over time. He leads collaborative efforts in Arctic geoscience and contributes to global understanding of deep-sea mineral resources and their environmental impacts. Publications highlight his expertise in hydrothermal mineral deposits, microbial adaptations to extreme conditions, and the application of genomic and machine learning tools to study sedimentary systems. His research spans locations such as the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge, Milos hydrothermal fields, and East Greenland lake sediments, reflecting a global perspective on Earth's subsurface processes.

• Geochemistry
• Marine Geology
• Early Diagenesis
• +12 more

Natascha Riedinger is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology at Oklahoma State University, where she has been serving since 2020. She holds a courtesy appointment and is actively involved in research and teaching in geochemistry and marine geology. She works closely with Rick Colwell and leads the Riedinger Lab, focusing on sedimentary processes, early diagenesis, and biogeochemical cycling in marine environments. Education: Dr. rer. nat. in Geosciences from the University of Bremen, Germany (2005); MSc (Diplom) in Geosciences from the same institution (2001). Her research interests are centered on using geochemical signals to reconstruct sedimentary depositional events, investigating early diagenesis in marine sediments, evaluating subsurface metal cycling, applying paleoproxies (especially redox-sensitive trace metals), and studying hydrothermal vent impacts on sediments. Her work supports Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life Below Water). The 15 most recent publications (2023–2025) reveal a strong focus on hadal trench systems, carbon and metal cycling, microbial community dynamics, and paleoredox reconstructions. Key themes include earthquake-triggered carbon transport, diagenetic metal mobilization, single-cell genomics of deep biosphere microbes, and validation of nitrogen isotope proxies. Her research frequently involves IODP expeditions and integrates field data with reactive transport modeling. No scientific awards are listed in the provided text. Natascha Riedinger actively mentors graduate students, as evidenced by her teaching of Master's Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation Research courses. She has secured multiple grants from the National Science Foundation, Columbia University, and other institutions to support projects on deep-water ventilation, hydrothermal deposits, and sedimentary event deposits. Her funded work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and international ocean drilling programs. She leads the Riedinger Lab, which conducts advanced geochemical and microbiological analyses of marine sediments, particularly from tectonically active margins and deep-sea trenches. The lab’s research contributes to understanding carbon sequestration, microbial life in extreme environments, and paleoenvironmental change.

• Geomorphology
• Landscape Evolution Modeling
• Critical Zone Processes
• +3 more

Jon D. Pelletier is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona. He specializes in geomorphology, landscape evolution modeling, and critical zone processes, focusing on interactions between climate, tectonics, and surface processes. His research integrates field observations, numerical modeling, and remote sensing to understand Earth surface dynamics. Pelletier has taught courses such as 'Earth Surface Processes,' 'Geomorphology,' and 'National Parks' since 2015, reflecting his engagement with both education and applied geosciences. His research explores topics like soil production, hillslope hydrology, aeolian dune evolution, and the impact of climate change on landscapes. He co-leads projects at the Jemez River Basin Critical Zone Observatory, investigating coupled biogeochemical and hydrological processes. Pelletier received the GSA Fellow award in 2015 for his contributions to geomorphology. Pelletier's work bridges geology, hydrology, and ecology, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. Key contributions include modeling landscape evolution, analyzing soil chronosequences, and quantifying geomorphic responses to wildfires. His studies have advanced understanding of fluvial systems, pediment formation, and the role of snowmelt in shaping mountain landscapes.

• Hydrogeophysics
• Vadose Zone Hydrology
• Data-Model Integration
• +3 more

Dr. Paul A. Ferre is a Distinguished Professor of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Arizona, holding a PhD in Earth Sciences (University of Waterloo, 1998) and a B.S. in Geophysical Engineering (Colorado School of Mines, 1988). He has been at the University of Arizona since 1999, contributing to research in hydrogeophysics and vadose zone hydrology, with a focus on integrating data and models for decision-making. His awards include the 2016 NGWA Darcy Lecturer and 2019 Distinguished Professor recognition. Ferre emphasizes 'learning by doing' pedagogy, employing flipped classrooms and Socratic methods in courses like hydrogeophysical methods and field hydrology. Research Interests: Dr. Ferre explores hydrogeophysical techniques, vadose zone dynamics, and model-data fusion. Recent work includes soil salinity modeling under drip irrigation, groundwater recharge estimation, and karst system simulations. His research often bridges field experiments (e.g., Landscape Evolution Observatory at Biosphere 2) with advanced modeling (e.g., PFLOTRAN). Publications: Over 150 peer-reviewed articles, including high-impact studies on soil evaporation dynamics, machine learning in hydrology, and groundwater monitoring. Recent trends focus on sustainable water management, climate-driven hydrological extremes, and agricultural hydrology. Awards & Honors: Distinguished Professor, University of Arizona (2019) NGWA Darcy Lecturer (2016) Research Fellow, Verschulen Centre (2013) Advising & Labs: Leads the Hydrology & Water Resources program at UA, mentoring students in field methods and numerical modeling. Active in the Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO) project, studying coupled hydrological and biogeochemical processes in engineered landscapes.

• Volcanology
• Mineralogy
• Geochemistry
• +4 more

Marie Jackson is a Research Professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Utah, where she has held academic appointments since 2016. Her work bridges volcanology, materials science, and archaeological geology, with a focus on hydrothermal alteration in young basaltic systems (e.g., Surtsey volcano) and the mineralogy of ancient Roman concrete. She leads interdisciplinary collaborations across Europe and the U.S., including the ICDP SUSTAIN drilling project. She holds a BS in Earth Sciences from UC Santa Cruz (1976), a Doctorat d'Universite from the University of Nantes (1979), and a PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Johns Hopkins University (1987). She is fluent in French and Italian. Her research explores pyroclastic volcanism, mineral cementation in basaltic tephra, and sustainable concrete analogs inspired by Roman engineering. Key themes include: Hydrothermal-microbial interactions in submarine volcanic deposits Durability mechanisms in historical materials Geochemical fluxes in seawater-basalt systems Innovative material testing (e.g., arc-fracture for concrete ductility) Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals strong trends in micro-scale mineralogical processes: 73% focus on Surtsey volcano's time-lapse alteration, while 27% examine Roman concrete durability. Dominant methodologies include synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction, drill core petrography, and geomicrobiological assays. She has received 11 scientific honors, including: Fellow, American Ceramic Society (2020) Science Highlights from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (2013, 2017, 2021) Geoarchaeology Journal's 25 Best Articles award (2010) Her grants support high-impact projects: DOE-funded "SELF-SUSTAINING CONCRETES" (2019-2022) ICDP "SUSTAIN" drilling at Surtsey (2014-2018) Current work on biocompatible concrete (2023-2025) She mentors graduate/undergraduate researchers in concrete science and volcanic processes. She co-leads the SUSTAIN subsurface observatory at Surtsey, deploying in situ experiments to monitor microbe-mineral interactions in basaltic tephra at temperatures up to 127°C.

• Geochemistry
• Geobiology
• Deep Subsurface Life
• +7 more

Henrik Drake is an Associate Professor at the Linnaeus University within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and Department of Biology and Environmental Science . His research focuses on geochemical and geobiological processes in the deep subsurface, particularly microbial methane cycling, uranium immobilization in mineral sinks, and astrobiological implications of subsurface life. Research Interests: Microbial methanogenesis and sulfate reduction in deep granitic fractures Geochemical tracing of ancient life in impact craters via stable isotopes and biomarkers Heavy metal (uranium, arsenic) retention mechanisms in anoxic groundwater Geochronology of fracture-hosted fluid flow using in situ Rb-Sr and U-Pb methods Interactions between fungi and bacteria in extreme subsurface environments Recent Article Trends: His 2023-2025 publications emphasize microbial controls on greenhouse gas cycling, uranium sequestration in nuclear waste repository analogs, and geochronological frameworks for deep biosphere evolution across geological timescales. Key methods include laser ablation ICP-MS, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and multi-isotope (C, S, Sr) analyses. Scientific Engagement: He serves as associate editor for Frontiers in Microbiology , Geofluids , and Discover Geoscience . He chairs the NordSIMS-Vegacenter Steering Committee . Teaching & Leadership: Actively supervises bachelor’s to postdoctoral researchers and leads two master’s programs: Environmental Risk Analysis and Environmental Science and Sustainability . His team, the Environmental Geochemistry Group , investigates deep biosphere processes and their applications to nuclear waste safety and drinking water contamination.

Carina BunseView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Microbial Ecology
• Marine Microbiology
• Microbial Oceanography
• +5 more

Carina Bunse serves as an Associate Senior Lecturer in the Department of Marine Sciences within the Faculty of Science at the University of Gothenburg. Her research focuses on microbial ecology in marine environments, particularly examining pelagic bacteria dynamics and their role in global nutrient cycles. She maintains an active research profile with extensive collaboration across disciplines including chemistry, modeling, and ecology. Her primary research interests center on functional microbial dynamics in the changing ocean, with emphasis on bacterial responses to environmental drivers across spatio-temporal scales. She investigates metabolite interactions and substrate turnover in marine settings, particularly in the Baltic Sea and North Sea coastal regions. Her work integrates large 'omics datasets and time series analyses using both traditional and advanced methodologies to address global ocean challenges. Dr. Bunse leads research within the MMEco group, focusing on multi-disciplinary approaches to understand marine ecosystem functions. Her publication record demonstrates consistent output in high-impact journals covering microbial community dynamics, carbon cycling, and responses to climate change. She frequently collaborates with international research teams on projects spanning from phytoplankton blooms to deep biosphere connectivity. Her research methodology combines field observations with laboratory analyses, often utilizing cutting-edge techniques for metabolomic and genomic investigations. Current projects examine microbial responses to environmental stressors including temperature changes and pollution events, as evidenced by her 2024 publication on methane plumes following the Nord Stream pipeline explosion.

• Biogeochemistry
• Environmental Microbiology
• Hydrology
• +5 more

Brandy M Toner is a Professor in the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on biogeochemical cycles, deep ocean microbial ecology, and subsurface environmental processes. Key Research Areas: Iron, sulfur, and carbon cycle interactions Hydrothermal vent microbial communities Fractured-rock subsurface biogeochemistry Metagenomic analysis of extremophiles Synchrotron facility applications in environmental science Recent Project Trends: Colloidal shunt mechanisms in ocean cycles (NSF-funded, 2025-2028) Mercy-sulfur-carbon cycle analysis (USDA Forest Service, 2023-2025) Synchrotron facility community management (University of Chicago/NSF, 2023-2025) Terrestrial-aquatic interface carbon fluxes (NSF, 2021-2026)